In order to ensure smooth application performance, Facebook rolled out an update last month for Android users. Most users, however, were unable to use their back buttons after the update, and reports came out on November 5, 2023, according to some sources. It has been difficult for the users to scroll up to the top of the screen and press another symbol to go back since the back button has been disabled.
There were reports that some people held the button for 1-4 seconds, and the problem was resolved. But that’s not the perfect solution. Well, we have some fixes to this issue. Therefore, if you are facing a Facebook back button not working issue, make sure to read the guide until the end.
How to Fix the Facebook Back Button Not Working Issue
This is due to Meta rolling out some new updates as they plan something big for Facebook and Instagram users, which is why these bugs are occurring. However, this bug will automatically be resolved after the new update. But, in case you still want to try something that has the potential to resolve the Facebook back button not working issue, make sure to perform these fixes:
Fix 1: Restart Your Device
It is often possible to resolve the Facebook back button not working issue by simply restarting the device to fix any temporary glitches and refresh the system. Here are the steps you need to follow to restart your device:
- On your Android or iOS device, hold the power button until the power-off menu appears.
- From the menu, choose “Power Off” or “Restart“.
- Lastly, power back on the device after letting it completely shut down, waiting a few seconds, and then powering it on again.
- Check that the back button is working after the device has restarted by opening Facebook and pressing the back button.
Fix 2: Check for App Conflicts
App conflicts can sometimes cause unexpected behavior, including issues with the back button if newly installed apps are installed alongside existing apps. You can resolve potential app conflicts by following these steps:
- Depending on when the back button problem started, you might want to temporarily uninstall a new app you installed.
- Once the new app has been uninstalled, return to Facebook and test the back button.
Ensure that your device’s back gesture is configured properly if gesture navigation is used instead of a traditional button. If your Facebook back button doesn’t work, follow these steps:
- Go to your device’s settings menu.
- On your device, you’ll find navigation settings under either “System” or “Display.”
- Make sure that the back gesture is working as intended by reviewing the gesture navigation settings. To fix the back button issue, adjust the gesture navigation settings.
Fix 4: Close Other Apps
It is sometimes possible to have multiple apps running simultaneously and interfere with Facebook’s functionality, including the back button. Follow these steps to resolve this issue:
- Go to the home screen of your device.
- If you are not actively using any apps, check whether they are running in the background. Tap the square or recent apps button on Android to view and close open apps. To access the app switcher on iOS, double-click the home button or swipe up from the bottom. You can close apps by swiping them off the screen.
- Return to the Facebook app after closing background apps and check whether the back button functions properly.
Fix 5: Update the Facebook App
If you’re having problems with your Facebook app’s back button, you need to make sure it’s up-to-date. Using outdated versions of an app may result in the back button malfunctioning due to bugs or compatibility problems. Follow these steps to update your Facebook app:
- Go to your device’s app store (GPlay for Android, App Store for iOS).
- Go to the app store and search for “Facebook.”
- Thereafter, you will see an “Update” button if an update is available. To initiate the update, click or tap on it.
- When the installation is complete, the new version should address the issue with the back button.
Fix 6: Clear App Cache and Data
Over time, cached data and temporary files can accumulate within the Facebook app, which can result in problems like a broken back button. It can be beneficial to clear the app’s cache and data:
- Go to your device’s settings.
- Go to the “Apps” or “Applications” section.
- Thereafter, tap the Facebook app in the list of installed apps.
- Choose “Storage” or “Storage & cache.”
- For removing temporary files, tap on “Clear Cache” and, if necessary, tap on “Clear Data“. Once you’ve confirmed, you can proceed.
- To check if the back button works correctly, restart your device and log back into Facebook.
Fix 7: Check for System Updates
There can be some compatibility issues between the operating system and certain apps, such as Facebook; system updates can resolve that. Check for any pending updates on your device’s operating system:
- Go to the settings of your device.
- Select “Software Update” or “System Updates.”
- Ensure that any system updates are available and install them.
- Check if the Facebook back button works after you update your device.
Fix 8: Reinstall the Facebook App
To ensure a fresh installation, you can attempt to uninstall and reinstall the Facebook app after trying all other solutions. Here’s what you need to do:
- On your device, look for the Facebook app.
- Afterward, press and hold the app icon until a menu appears.
- Select the uninstall option.
- Afterward, visit your device’s app store (App Store for iOS or Google Play Store for Android).
- Once again, search for “Facebook” and download it.
- Once the app has been installed, open it and log in. To verify if the issue has been resolved, click the back button.
Fix 9: Install Facebook Lite
You have an alternative option. If you have no problems using Facebook Lite, you can install it and use it.
- Go to the Google Play Store.
- Search for Facebook Lite.
- Click on the Install button.
- Open Facebook Lite and log in once it has been installed.
- If you use the back button, you will not encounter any problems.
So, that’s all we have for you on how to fix the Facebook Back Button not working issue. It’s our hope that this guide has helped you. Meanwhile, if you would like more assistance, please comment below.